Line Magnetic LM-512 CA preamp/LM-845 Premium integrated/power amp

REVIEW
Jason Kennedy
Nov 23, 2021

The balance here was more mid-forward, which meant that voices and brass were more prominent but not to the detriment of the musical whole. The quiet atmospherics at the start of Michael Chapman’s ‘Aviator’ [Fully Qualified Survivor, Harvest] seemed so natural and intriguing with lots of depth in the violin and bass, the amp raising this song up and revealing its sad beauty in full effect.

Good tube amplification puts back what the recording, mastering and pressing process leaves out. It may do this thanks to what are in essence subtle colorations to the sound that can be picked up on the test bench, but they are not perceived as distortions by the ear, and the effect is more of an enhancement. This Line Magnetic pairing is a lot of amplifier for the money, even at the official price, definitely one to hear if you want to get to the heart and soul of your music collection.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

LM-512 CA

Type: Valve-driven line-stage preamplifier
Valve complement: Two RCA 22DE4, two 6922, two Mullard 6KZ8 valves
Analogue inputs: Three pairs of single-ended inputs (via RCA jacks), one pair of balanced inputs (via XLR connectors)
Analogue outputs: One pair of balanced outputs (via XLR connectors), one pair of single-ended outputs (via RCA jacks)
Input impedance: 600kOhms (RCA)
Output impedance: Not specified
Bandwidth: 17Hz–100kHz (–3dB, RCA)
Gain: 24dB
Distortion: 0.5dB (1kHz)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 90dB
Dimensions (H×W×D): 196 × 430 × 383mm
Weight: 20kg
Price: £8,499

LM-845 Premium

Type: Valve-driven stereo integrated/power amplifier
Valve complement: Two 12AX7, two 310A, two 300B, two 845 valves
Analogue inputs: Three pairs single ended (via RCA jacks), one pair balanced (via XLR), one preamplifier input (via RCA jacks)
Analogue outputs: Two sets of speaker taps for 4, 8, and 16 Ohm loads (via 5-way binding posts)
Power output: 30Wpc
Bandwidth: 15Hz–35kHz (-1.5dB)
Sensitivity: Line 250mV, pre in 1V
Distortion: 1% THD
Signal to Noise Ratio: 87dB
Dimensions (H×W×D):
Control Chassis: 460 × 435 × 456 mm
Output Chassis: 165 × 435 × 410 mm
Weight: 40kg + 20kg
Price: £9,999